Urban Meyer’s Florida farewell went something like this: Gators 37, Nittany Lions 24. The Florida head coach who announced he is stepping down after a six year reign with the Gators finished his career a winner in Tampa’s Outback Bowl. Penn State was represented by the all-time leader in bowl wins in legendary coach, Joe Paterno. The Nittany Lions couldn’t squeeze out a victory in a horrifying New Year’s Day for the Big 10 conference. Ahmad Black’s interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter helped send the 46 year old Meyer home with one final coaching victory. Despite the loss, Paterno expects to return for his 46th season in Happy Valley.
Jordan Reed and Josh Brantley shared time under center for the Gators, who finished the season 8-5 two years after winning a national championship. Trey Burton also saw time at the quarterback position for Meyer yesterday. Penn State’s Matt McGloin threw for 211 yards and a touchdown as the Lions dropped their sixth game of the season. Sophomore McGloin also tossed five interceptions into the chomping Florida defense at a Gator-backing Raymond James Stadium. The Lions’ signal caller completed just 17 of 41 passes on Saturday. Brantley was picked off once, during Florida’s first play from scrimmage. The Lions took advantage of the miscue, pulling ahead to an early 7-0 lead five minutes into the contest. McGloin found Derek Moye for the five yard touchdown to cap a ten play drive. Florida intercepted McGloin on Penn State’s next possession and went on to tie the game early in the second quarter off another McGloin turnover. Omarius Hines’ 16 yard run knotted the game at 7-7.
Later in the second frame, Justin Brown dropped a third down pass near midfield and Penn State was forced to punt. Alex Butterworth’s punt was blocked by the Gators and recovered by Lerentee McCray. McCray rushed down the field 27 yards for the second Florida touchdown, and the Gators’ first lead of the bowl. PSU’s Michael Zordich plunged into the end zone from one yard out to tie the game again at 14-14. The Lions tacked on a Collin Wagner field goal to lead 17-14 at the half.
The seesaw game continued after the break. Florida’s Chas Henry booted a field goal six minutes into the third quarter to give the Gators a three point edge. McGloin’s two yard touchdown run put the Lions back in the driver’s seat with 4:39 remaining in the third. Henry then nailed another field goal, from 47 yards, to finish the third quarter scoring. Mike Gillislee took the ball in from a yard out following a Penn State interference penalty on third down. Gillislee’s touchdown extended the Gator lead to three and Henry added a field goal to push the margin to six midway through the final quarter. Penn State’s all-time leading rusher, Evan Royster, moved the ball 30 yards on two plays as the Lions marched into Florida territory hoping for a comeback. Black’s interception up the sideline ended any PSU hopes, however. The 80 yard return clinched the Outback Bowl for Florida and was Black’s second interception of the game. Will Muschamp will replace Meyer next season, but the (Urban) legendacy of Meyer’s tenure will not soon be forgotten.
Parting Points: I’m not sure which loss was more embarrassing-Michigan State or Michigan.
Charlie Weis has accepted the offensive coordinator position at Florida.
Song of the day- “All I Have to do is Dream” by the Everly Brothers
Showing posts with label Penn State. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Penn State. Show all posts
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Sunday, November 14, 2010
“Boom” Boosts Buckeyes, Sinks State at ‘Shoe
A second half surge and a pair of key turnovers propelled the Buckeyes past the Nittany Lions in Columbus on Saturday. Ohio State scored 35 unanswered points after halftime to improve to 9-1 on the season. The scarlet and gray held Joe Paterno at 400 victories and his visiting Happy Valley squad scoreless in the second half to remain in the Big 10 title chase. The Buckeyes erased an 11 point deficit and outscored the Lions 21-0 in the final quarter to win decidedly, 38-14. Penn State remains winless at the Horseshoe under Paterno, despite scoring two touchdowns in Columbus for the first time in the legendary coach’s tenure.
Eighth-ranked OSU tallied the game’s first points with a first quarter 26 yard field goal by Devin Barclay. Lions’ quarterback Matt McGloin looked like a seasoned pro against the Buckeyes’ defense in the first half. The Scranton sensation passed for 159 yards and two touchdowns, while completing half of his 30 passes. McGloin tossed two picks in the second half that proved costly in preserving Penn State’s three game winning streak. Justin Brown hauled in a 23 yard sling from McGloin to make it 7-3 with just over four minutes remaining in the opening quarter. Derek Moye added a six yard touchdown catch three minutes into the second quarter to lift the Lions to a 14-3 edge. The 6-4 Lions made their lead stand as Paterno’s defense forced the Buckeyes to punt time and time again. Penn State sparkled in stringing together long drives with their aggressive receivers. OSU signal caller, Terrelle Pryor, finished with 139 yards passing and a pair of scores, but moving up the field in the first half proved problematic for perfectionist Pryor.
The Buckeyes came out of the locker room and entered the third quarter trailing by eleven. The hole was soon erased via a tremendous rushing effort. OSU accumulated 314 yards on the ground to Penn State’s 113. Dan “Boom” Herron ran for a career high 190 yards on 21 carries, including the first touchdown run of the third quarter. Herron amassed yardage with amazement during the 96 yard drive that set up the Buckeyes’ only rushing touchdown. Defensive back, Devon Torrence, was tormented by Penn State’s offense all day. Torrence got his revenge with a third quarter interception return for a touchdown to give the Bucks their first lead of the game. Ohio State continued to execute and run the ball well, while the defense cracked down against the roller coaster State offense with the brash quarterback. There wouldn’t be another score for the white-and-blue on this day.
Pryor found leg room to run in one of his best rushing games since last year’s Rose Bowl victory over the Oregon Ducks. He finished with 49 yards to match the Lions’ leading rusher, Evan Royster. The Buckeyes threatened to score early in the fourth quarter, but Pryor aired out an errant pass that was picked off by Malcom Williams at the two yard line. McGloin completed just 2 of his 12 passes in the second half and the Lions had little success getting first downs. Ohio State got the ball back following Pryor’s only miscue. After a penalty pushed them back to their own 42 yards line, the home team promptly found the end zone again. Dane Sanzenbacher pulled down a 58 yard bomb from Pryor to give the Buckeyes a 24-14 advantage with less than ten minutes in regulation. The pass was tipped by a Penn State defender but laned in the hands of the talented Bucks’ wideout. Penn State’s hopes of a comeback disappeared when Travis Howard intercepted McGloin and ran it 30 yards for the score. Pryor passed to Jake Stoneburner from three yards out to finish the Buckeyes’ scoring and a 7 play drive. DeVier Posey led the Buckeyes with three receptions for 63 yards, but it was Herron who keyed the second half surge.
Parting Points: The Cowboys are 14 point underdogs against the Giants today. Holy smoke…
Wisconsin whipping...enough said.
Eighth-ranked OSU tallied the game’s first points with a first quarter 26 yard field goal by Devin Barclay. Lions’ quarterback Matt McGloin looked like a seasoned pro against the Buckeyes’ defense in the first half. The Scranton sensation passed for 159 yards and two touchdowns, while completing half of his 30 passes. McGloin tossed two picks in the second half that proved costly in preserving Penn State’s three game winning streak. Justin Brown hauled in a 23 yard sling from McGloin to make it 7-3 with just over four minutes remaining in the opening quarter. Derek Moye added a six yard touchdown catch three minutes into the second quarter to lift the Lions to a 14-3 edge. The 6-4 Lions made their lead stand as Paterno’s defense forced the Buckeyes to punt time and time again. Penn State sparkled in stringing together long drives with their aggressive receivers. OSU signal caller, Terrelle Pryor, finished with 139 yards passing and a pair of scores, but moving up the field in the first half proved problematic for perfectionist Pryor.
The Buckeyes came out of the locker room and entered the third quarter trailing by eleven. The hole was soon erased via a tremendous rushing effort. OSU accumulated 314 yards on the ground to Penn State’s 113. Dan “Boom” Herron ran for a career high 190 yards on 21 carries, including the first touchdown run of the third quarter. Herron amassed yardage with amazement during the 96 yard drive that set up the Buckeyes’ only rushing touchdown. Defensive back, Devon Torrence, was tormented by Penn State’s offense all day. Torrence got his revenge with a third quarter interception return for a touchdown to give the Bucks their first lead of the game. Ohio State continued to execute and run the ball well, while the defense cracked down against the roller coaster State offense with the brash quarterback. There wouldn’t be another score for the white-and-blue on this day.
Pryor found leg room to run in one of his best rushing games since last year’s Rose Bowl victory over the Oregon Ducks. He finished with 49 yards to match the Lions’ leading rusher, Evan Royster. The Buckeyes threatened to score early in the fourth quarter, but Pryor aired out an errant pass that was picked off by Malcom Williams at the two yard line. McGloin completed just 2 of his 12 passes in the second half and the Lions had little success getting first downs. Ohio State got the ball back following Pryor’s only miscue. After a penalty pushed them back to their own 42 yards line, the home team promptly found the end zone again. Dane Sanzenbacher pulled down a 58 yard bomb from Pryor to give the Buckeyes a 24-14 advantage with less than ten minutes in regulation. The pass was tipped by a Penn State defender but laned in the hands of the talented Bucks’ wideout. Penn State’s hopes of a comeback disappeared when Travis Howard intercepted McGloin and ran it 30 yards for the score. Pryor passed to Jake Stoneburner from three yards out to finish the Buckeyes’ scoring and a 7 play drive. DeVier Posey led the Buckeyes with three receptions for 63 yards, but it was Herron who keyed the second half surge.
Parting Points: The Cowboys are 14 point underdogs against the Giants today. Holy smoke…
Wisconsin whipping...enough said.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Valley Victory Vaults Vehemence
Happy Valley wasn’t so happy Saturday afternoon. Fans expecting to play testament to a paramount party in Beaver Stadium’s 300th game were aghast rather than amused. Penn State fans clad in all white didn’t have much to celebrate after the Nittany Lions dropped a significant Big 10 contest to visiting Ohio State. It was the 25th meeting between the renowned rivals. The game took on even larger implications prior to kickoff because previously undefeated Iowa suffered their first loss of the season to Northwestern. Control of the Big 10 would suddenly be seized by whatever team escaped Happy Valley victorious. The Lions and Buckeyes were in charge of their own destiny. Only Ohio State played as if they knew the conference was on the line. The Buckeyes blew past Penn State in the second half to vault into a tie for first place with Iowa. Ohio State 24-7 crushing gave them an 8-2 record. Penn State endured their second loss to match the Bucks’ 8-2 posting this year. But Ohio State has the edge in the head-to-head meetings because they bested the Lions.
Saturday’s game pitted the Big 10’s number one defense, Penn State, against the Buckeye’s number two. The game was won at the line of scrimmage. Defense ruled the day. Neither team’s offense could sustain long drives in the first half. Ohio State’s exceptional defense took charge from the first snap. They frustrated Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark with constant pressure. The Bucks’ defense kept running back, Evan Royster, in check the entire game. The blazing back managed just 36 yards on 13 carries. Whiteout conditions mattered little to the Ohio State defense. In fact, it was Penn State that appeared flustered. The offense dropped a few passes when Clark was able to muster a good throw. If Clark was a victim of Ohio State’s impenetrable defense, Buckeye passer, Terrelle Pryor benefited most from his team’s standout performance. The sophomore quarterback finished 8 of 17 for 125 yards with two touchdowns. Pryor didn’t throw a pick and wasn’t sacked one time. Pryor also sprinted for 50 yards on his quick, athletic feet. Jim Tressel’s strategy called for the Buckeyes to run the ball, rather than spread the ball to receivers. It seems as if the head coach lacks confidence in Pryor’s arm. It’s true Terrelle needs to work on being more consistent, but the quarterback has the ability to be an adept passer.
Pryor scored the first touchdown in Beaver Stadium yesterday with a two-play, nine yard sprint into the end zone. The touchdown was set up by Ray Small’s 41 yard punt return to the Penn State nine yard line. Special teams and field position were key components in the Buckeye’s triumph. Punter Jon Thoma pinned Penn State inside the twenty three times. The offensive line also played a major role in the win. They stepped up to protect the passer and gave room for Dan Herron and Brandon Saine to run the ball. Pryor played mistake-free football because the line kept the PSU defense away. Penn State allowed Pryor to beat them with his legs instead of forcing him to throw. Pryor succeeded in avoiding the blitz and giving the offense a crack at scoring because he is so fast at gaining yards with his legs. Clark was limited to 145 yards with an interception and a one-yard touchdown sneak. Clark’s scramble in the second quarter put the Lions on the scoreboard and evened the game at a touchdown a piece. Penn State wouldn’t find the end zone again. The Buckeyes defense was that great. OSU was able to slay the Penn State dragon because the defensive line gave Clark little time to work. Penn State couldn’t manufacture plays because the OSU defense wouldn’t allow it. The Nittany Lions were proven in the red zone all year. The red zone offense was nonexistent for Joe Paterno’s team after the first half. Devin Barclay, a walk-on place kicker for Ohio State, legged a 37 yard field goal before the half. Barclay is a former professional soccer player filling for the injured Aaron Pettrey. Pettrey’s absence worries me a bit. The Bucks don’t realize the value of an experienced kicker in close games. Barclay could be a sensation, but does Tressel win the Big 10 with a first year kicker? Both teams had a chance to score with two minutes in the second quarter. Ohio State handed the ball over after failing to convert a third-and-nine. Following a Penn State ten yard penalty, Royster pounded out four and five yard rushes. The Lions were forced to punt with .38 ticks on the clock. Small returned a Jeremy Boone punt 18 yards to the OSU 42 yard line. Pryor promptly pummeled through Penn State for 11 rushing yards before he missed a wide open Dane Sanzenbacher for what would have been a gift touchdown. I think Tressel should trust Pryor more, despite the missed pass to Sanzenbacher. Pryor’s arm is underutilized. Even though the OSU running game was phenomenal, the Buckeye’s success will be determined by acknowledging Pryor’s ability to engineer an enigmatic offense.
The third and fourth quarters belonged solely to the Buckeyes. Ohio State smothered Clark’s receivers and applied the pressure up front. Penn State’s Graham Zug had seven catches for 96 yards but Ohio State regained possession every time the Lions made big plays. Pryor’s hesitation resulted in a few incompletions, but the quarterback was head and shoulders above the rest in the second half. Pryor’s touchdown pass to DeVier Posey showed Happy Valley why the former top prospect is a prized player. Leading by three, the sophomore found his favorite receiver in stride down the left side line for 62 yards. Small lit up the porous PSU punt coverage unit, burning them for 45 yards to end the third quarter. The results were resounding for a rejuvenated Ohio State. The Bucks completed two third-down conversions and Pryor rolled right to Saine for a six yard touchdown pass in the fourth. The 17 point cushion was made possible because of Saine and Herron. Tressel integrated his running backs into the game plan. Saine carried the ball 20 times for 68 yards and a touchdown, while Herron added 58 yards on 16 chances. Pryor didn’t have to rifle the ball downfield during the fourth quarter. Ohio State was completely content on running out the clock. Ross Homan was charged with a personal foul on Clark in the final quarter, but made up for it with a diving interception with 9:20 remaining. Penn State faithful scurried to the exits after the Lions’ first interception in four games. The game became an exercise in futility for the Lions in the waning minutes. Pryor and the Buckeyes took advantage of every opportunity afforded them in the second half to put the game out of reach. Penn State walked away in almost a laugher of a game after being the slight favorite to win outright. The Lions averaged 35 points per game prior to Saturday. Ohio State held the potent offense to seven and a season-low 125 yards passing. Cameron Heyward recorded a career high 11 tackles and two sacks for OSU. The Buckeyes have won 17 of their last 18 Big 10 road games. They face Iowa next Saturday to determine the conference title. They’re going to need a second consecutive colossal collective effort to have a stab at it. Yesterday was a positive step in the right direction. It was the defense delivering deadly blow. It was Pryor gunning for extra gains. It was Saine trampolining into the end zone. It was everything the Buckeyes are capable of being.
Parting Points: There were some upsets in college football yesterday. Oregon, Notre Dame and Northwestern all pulled out victories.
Saturday’s game pitted the Big 10’s number one defense, Penn State, against the Buckeye’s number two. The game was won at the line of scrimmage. Defense ruled the day. Neither team’s offense could sustain long drives in the first half. Ohio State’s exceptional defense took charge from the first snap. They frustrated Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark with constant pressure. The Bucks’ defense kept running back, Evan Royster, in check the entire game. The blazing back managed just 36 yards on 13 carries. Whiteout conditions mattered little to the Ohio State defense. In fact, it was Penn State that appeared flustered. The offense dropped a few passes when Clark was able to muster a good throw. If Clark was a victim of Ohio State’s impenetrable defense, Buckeye passer, Terrelle Pryor benefited most from his team’s standout performance. The sophomore quarterback finished 8 of 17 for 125 yards with two touchdowns. Pryor didn’t throw a pick and wasn’t sacked one time. Pryor also sprinted for 50 yards on his quick, athletic feet. Jim Tressel’s strategy called for the Buckeyes to run the ball, rather than spread the ball to receivers. It seems as if the head coach lacks confidence in Pryor’s arm. It’s true Terrelle needs to work on being more consistent, but the quarterback has the ability to be an adept passer.
Pryor scored the first touchdown in Beaver Stadium yesterday with a two-play, nine yard sprint into the end zone. The touchdown was set up by Ray Small’s 41 yard punt return to the Penn State nine yard line. Special teams and field position were key components in the Buckeye’s triumph. Punter Jon Thoma pinned Penn State inside the twenty three times. The offensive line also played a major role in the win. They stepped up to protect the passer and gave room for Dan Herron and Brandon Saine to run the ball. Pryor played mistake-free football because the line kept the PSU defense away. Penn State allowed Pryor to beat them with his legs instead of forcing him to throw. Pryor succeeded in avoiding the blitz and giving the offense a crack at scoring because he is so fast at gaining yards with his legs. Clark was limited to 145 yards with an interception and a one-yard touchdown sneak. Clark’s scramble in the second quarter put the Lions on the scoreboard and evened the game at a touchdown a piece. Penn State wouldn’t find the end zone again. The Buckeyes defense was that great. OSU was able to slay the Penn State dragon because the defensive line gave Clark little time to work. Penn State couldn’t manufacture plays because the OSU defense wouldn’t allow it. The Nittany Lions were proven in the red zone all year. The red zone offense was nonexistent for Joe Paterno’s team after the first half. Devin Barclay, a walk-on place kicker for Ohio State, legged a 37 yard field goal before the half. Barclay is a former professional soccer player filling for the injured Aaron Pettrey. Pettrey’s absence worries me a bit. The Bucks don’t realize the value of an experienced kicker in close games. Barclay could be a sensation, but does Tressel win the Big 10 with a first year kicker? Both teams had a chance to score with two minutes in the second quarter. Ohio State handed the ball over after failing to convert a third-and-nine. Following a Penn State ten yard penalty, Royster pounded out four and five yard rushes. The Lions were forced to punt with .38 ticks on the clock. Small returned a Jeremy Boone punt 18 yards to the OSU 42 yard line. Pryor promptly pummeled through Penn State for 11 rushing yards before he missed a wide open Dane Sanzenbacher for what would have been a gift touchdown. I think Tressel should trust Pryor more, despite the missed pass to Sanzenbacher. Pryor’s arm is underutilized. Even though the OSU running game was phenomenal, the Buckeye’s success will be determined by acknowledging Pryor’s ability to engineer an enigmatic offense.
The third and fourth quarters belonged solely to the Buckeyes. Ohio State smothered Clark’s receivers and applied the pressure up front. Penn State’s Graham Zug had seven catches for 96 yards but Ohio State regained possession every time the Lions made big plays. Pryor’s hesitation resulted in a few incompletions, but the quarterback was head and shoulders above the rest in the second half. Pryor’s touchdown pass to DeVier Posey showed Happy Valley why the former top prospect is a prized player. Leading by three, the sophomore found his favorite receiver in stride down the left side line for 62 yards. Small lit up the porous PSU punt coverage unit, burning them for 45 yards to end the third quarter. The results were resounding for a rejuvenated Ohio State. The Bucks completed two third-down conversions and Pryor rolled right to Saine for a six yard touchdown pass in the fourth. The 17 point cushion was made possible because of Saine and Herron. Tressel integrated his running backs into the game plan. Saine carried the ball 20 times for 68 yards and a touchdown, while Herron added 58 yards on 16 chances. Pryor didn’t have to rifle the ball downfield during the fourth quarter. Ohio State was completely content on running out the clock. Ross Homan was charged with a personal foul on Clark in the final quarter, but made up for it with a diving interception with 9:20 remaining. Penn State faithful scurried to the exits after the Lions’ first interception in four games. The game became an exercise in futility for the Lions in the waning minutes. Pryor and the Buckeyes took advantage of every opportunity afforded them in the second half to put the game out of reach. Penn State walked away in almost a laugher of a game after being the slight favorite to win outright. The Lions averaged 35 points per game prior to Saturday. Ohio State held the potent offense to seven and a season-low 125 yards passing. Cameron Heyward recorded a career high 11 tackles and two sacks for OSU. The Buckeyes have won 17 of their last 18 Big 10 road games. They face Iowa next Saturday to determine the conference title. They’re going to need a second consecutive colossal collective effort to have a stab at it. Yesterday was a positive step in the right direction. It was the defense delivering deadly blow. It was Pryor gunning for extra gains. It was Saine trampolining into the end zone. It was everything the Buckeyes are capable of being.
Parting Points: There were some upsets in college football yesterday. Oregon, Notre Dame and Northwestern all pulled out victories.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Big Breakdown Begins
It’s less than a week now that the nation’s best college football players take the field. The Big 10 has been dubbed the most overrated conference in the past few years. Ohio State won the 2003 Fiesta Bowl and Penn State was the class of the conference last year. The Buckeyes continue to be a top ten team, while Penn State rates highest in most of the major Big 10 categories. The Nittany Lions flirted with an undefeated season but were proven less than perfect. Now, the team from Pennsylvania’s Happy Valley returns a broke unit but one inspired to achieve greatness.
Joe Paterno’s Penn State team lead in points per game, points allowed, total yards per game and total yards allowed. As long as Joe Pa has blood flowing through him, he will try his hardest to field a quality football product. The legendary coach has yet to have a repeat conference champion in his 16 seasons in the Big 10. Last year’s successful regular season ended with a loss in the Rose Bowl. This year, the linebackers are perhaps the best in college football even with the holes on offense and only four returning starters on defense. Most of Penn State’s top playmakers are gone but the Nittany Lions have one of the most outstanding option quarterbacks on the 2009-10 roster. Daryll Clark is still unpolished, but will call signals at the line for Paterno this season after taking just 36 snaps in two years on the Penn State sidelines. The 6’2” Clark’s health is Penn State’s number one problem. He sustained three concussions in his first two years, including a brutal takedown against Ohio State last season. The offense will suffer if Clark has to scramble for yardage and it is not known how he will be affected by his past occurrences. Even if Clark if a confident passer, he will have to find a way to spread the ball. Penn State’s prolific trio of dangerous wideouts no longer exsts in Happy Valley. Former walk-on player, junior Graham Zug, is similar to last year’s top receiver Jordan Norwood. Both can expose defenses and catch the ball. Zug is not as quick as Norwood and Paterno probably won’t use him against opponent’s number one and two cornerbacks. Brett Brackett’s main attribute is his size. It sounds simple, but Brackett will be successful if he can get open. The potency may be missing, but the Lions can make up for their thin receiving with mistake-free football and an energetic running game. Evan Royster didn’t receive much in terms of publicity last year, but he possesses incredible ability in moving the ball. Royster averaged 6.47 yards per carry for 1,236 yards. The smooth runner will be used as a package with flashy 5’10” Stephfon Green. Offensive coordinator, Galen Hall, hinted he could utilize both of his backs as receivers to exploit matchups. The wide receivers will ease into unchartered territory thanks to the return of Andrew Quarless at tight end. He could take a lot of pressure off the receivers if he capitalizes on his immense talent. Connecticut-born Brennan Coakley, also returns for his senior year at tight end. Penn State’s tight ends are extreme and explosive, and should be one of the strengths on the squad. Whatever the look of the Penn State offense, they will have to do so with a young and inexperienced line.
Penn State will boast the most tenacious pair of linebackers in the nation as they open the season next Saturday against Akron. The Nittany Lions’ linebacker unit is ranked number one and their effectiveness remains Penn State’s allegiance. Navarro Bowman and Sean Lee are the duo sending shivers down the spines of Big 10 quarterbacks as we speak. Bowman is the reliable attacker who mans the weak side. He earned Big 10 honors last year, and will be joined by a recovering Lee. Lee missed all of last season with a knee injury but is a team leader and former All-American. The fifth year senior was also the conference’s second leading tackle two seasons ago. The show stopping blue and white defense glistens with the ferocious front seven. Defensive tackle, Jared Odrick, leads the powerful line. Brandon Ware, Devon Still, Ollie Ogbu (I love that name) and Chima Okoli will command plenty of attention as they tackle opposing offenses. Penn State’s versatility and strength up the middle will be hard to compete with and you would be hard pressed to find a comparable unit in the Big 10. The secondary and edges are another story for Penn State. The Nittany Lions begin the new season with plenty of question marks at defensive end, cornerback and safety. First round draft pick, Aaron Maybin is difficult enough to replace, but Penn State also has to find two other productive defensive ends. Two new starting cornerbacks will suit up for Paterno. The Nittany Lions have precious little depth in the secondary but perhaps the linebacker tandem can accommodate the defensive drought. Kevin Kelly kicked competently for the Rose Bowl bound Lions last year. The four-year player accurately footed 73% of his field goals and missed just two extra points while a Lion. Paterno named Collin Wagner this season’s placekicker with big shoes to fill. Eighty-two year old Paterno and Penn State will also benefit from a soft schedule. They should breeze through their non-conference opponents and find themselves in the top ten. College football is a beautiful thing. It’s even more magical when men take the field at pristine Penn State University’s Beaver Stadium. I’ve seen the venue in person and to encapsulate what I saw: ENORMOUS.
Parting Points: Is this a Penn State blog? GO BUCKEYES!
Joe Paterno’s Penn State team lead in points per game, points allowed, total yards per game and total yards allowed. As long as Joe Pa has blood flowing through him, he will try his hardest to field a quality football product. The legendary coach has yet to have a repeat conference champion in his 16 seasons in the Big 10. Last year’s successful regular season ended with a loss in the Rose Bowl. This year, the linebackers are perhaps the best in college football even with the holes on offense and only four returning starters on defense. Most of Penn State’s top playmakers are gone but the Nittany Lions have one of the most outstanding option quarterbacks on the 2009-10 roster. Daryll Clark is still unpolished, but will call signals at the line for Paterno this season after taking just 36 snaps in two years on the Penn State sidelines. The 6’2” Clark’s health is Penn State’s number one problem. He sustained three concussions in his first two years, including a brutal takedown against Ohio State last season. The offense will suffer if Clark has to scramble for yardage and it is not known how he will be affected by his past occurrences. Even if Clark if a confident passer, he will have to find a way to spread the ball. Penn State’s prolific trio of dangerous wideouts no longer exsts in Happy Valley. Former walk-on player, junior Graham Zug, is similar to last year’s top receiver Jordan Norwood. Both can expose defenses and catch the ball. Zug is not as quick as Norwood and Paterno probably won’t use him against opponent’s number one and two cornerbacks. Brett Brackett’s main attribute is his size. It sounds simple, but Brackett will be successful if he can get open. The potency may be missing, but the Lions can make up for their thin receiving with mistake-free football and an energetic running game. Evan Royster didn’t receive much in terms of publicity last year, but he possesses incredible ability in moving the ball. Royster averaged 6.47 yards per carry for 1,236 yards. The smooth runner will be used as a package with flashy 5’10” Stephfon Green. Offensive coordinator, Galen Hall, hinted he could utilize both of his backs as receivers to exploit matchups. The wide receivers will ease into unchartered territory thanks to the return of Andrew Quarless at tight end. He could take a lot of pressure off the receivers if he capitalizes on his immense talent. Connecticut-born Brennan Coakley, also returns for his senior year at tight end. Penn State’s tight ends are extreme and explosive, and should be one of the strengths on the squad. Whatever the look of the Penn State offense, they will have to do so with a young and inexperienced line.
Penn State will boast the most tenacious pair of linebackers in the nation as they open the season next Saturday against Akron. The Nittany Lions’ linebacker unit is ranked number one and their effectiveness remains Penn State’s allegiance. Navarro Bowman and Sean Lee are the duo sending shivers down the spines of Big 10 quarterbacks as we speak. Bowman is the reliable attacker who mans the weak side. He earned Big 10 honors last year, and will be joined by a recovering Lee. Lee missed all of last season with a knee injury but is a team leader and former All-American. The fifth year senior was also the conference’s second leading tackle two seasons ago. The show stopping blue and white defense glistens with the ferocious front seven. Defensive tackle, Jared Odrick, leads the powerful line. Brandon Ware, Devon Still, Ollie Ogbu (I love that name) and Chima Okoli will command plenty of attention as they tackle opposing offenses. Penn State’s versatility and strength up the middle will be hard to compete with and you would be hard pressed to find a comparable unit in the Big 10. The secondary and edges are another story for Penn State. The Nittany Lions begin the new season with plenty of question marks at defensive end, cornerback and safety. First round draft pick, Aaron Maybin is difficult enough to replace, but Penn State also has to find two other productive defensive ends. Two new starting cornerbacks will suit up for Paterno. The Nittany Lions have precious little depth in the secondary but perhaps the linebacker tandem can accommodate the defensive drought. Kevin Kelly kicked competently for the Rose Bowl bound Lions last year. The four-year player accurately footed 73% of his field goals and missed just two extra points while a Lion. Paterno named Collin Wagner this season’s placekicker with big shoes to fill. Eighty-two year old Paterno and Penn State will also benefit from a soft schedule. They should breeze through their non-conference opponents and find themselves in the top ten. College football is a beautiful thing. It’s even more magical when men take the field at pristine Penn State University’s Beaver Stadium. I’ve seen the venue in person and to encapsulate what I saw: ENORMOUS.
Parting Points: Is this a Penn State blog? GO BUCKEYES!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Show Some Scarlet
Thirty years ago Penn State withstood the Horseshoe horde and beat the Buckeyes. Since that time, the Nittany Lions have yet to win a game in Ohio’s obscure oval. OSU has convincingly and forcefully fastened down PSU in games played in the comfort of the home crowd. Tonight’s sparring pits 8-0 Penn State against a one loss Buckeye team in the Big 10 game of the year. I will be seated front and center to witness the match up even though World Series Game Three conflicts with the time slot. If I had to take my pick, I would choose 81 year old Joe Paterno patrolling the press box with his limp leg over 45 year old, Jamie Moyer, on the hill at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Tonight football reigns supreme and baseball (if the game is not rained out) will play second fiddle.
Jim Tressel stresses the scarlet showing in the stands as the Lions take the field. Ohio State hopes to create an atmosphere similar to their own version of PSU’s whiteout conditions. The difference in this game could hinge on home field advantage.
Penn State brings a very solid and well-balanced attacking football team into Ohio Stadium. This is without question a big test for rookie quarterback, Terrelle Pryor. Penn State was one of the colleges on Pryor’s list before he signed on as a Buck. That story has been overplayed. I do not think the focus of Terrelle is his college choice or second guessing why he chose to be a Buckeye. Terrelle is a very motivated athlete who has the assets to apply favorable conditions on offense. Last week, he had everything going for him, putting together a believable win over Michigan State on the road. He finally has the respect of his teammates, I think and that has made a difference in his confidence. Chris “Beanie” Wells needs to run for another 100 yards in order for the Buckeyes to be a factor this evening. Paterno’s Penn State defense is one of the best in the nation and they do not allow teams to run the ball effectively. On the other side, the OSU defense is also solid with All Americans, James Laurinaitus and Malcom Jenkins. Penn State senior play caller, Daryll Clark is going to face his greatest challenge so far this year. Illinois was a challenge, but OSU is the best defense he will behold. If the Bucks shut down the Nittany Lion running game and force Clark to beat them, they will be successful. Evan Royster is one of the most prolific running backs at this level and it will be crucial to contain his breakaway speed.
I reckon college football fans will get an early Halloween treat tonight. This should be a close encounter. The Lions are the third ranked team in the country, and rightly so. They have every reason to be considered the darling of the conference. But tonight you better believe the Big 10 leaders will be seeing red. If ever there was a game to clearly make a statement, tonight is it for the Ohioians. The Horseshow is the X factor and mentally, Penn State is already beaten. They know they have yet to win a game in Ohio with Paterno on the sidelines. Last week, the Lions lunged to a large win in the Big House in Michigan. They started off a bit unsteady but bounced back to take the lead and remain undefeated. Paterno’s Michigan jinx went kaput. Can this team break another Paterno plague? Survey says: This will be a competitive, see-saw game with many twists and turns and lead changes. I forecast a Scarlet and Gray win, with the game being decided late in the fourth quarter. Ohio State needs to capitalize on any PSU turnovers and mistakes..just like the Phillies need to hit with runners in scoring position in order to win.
Parting points: I am listening to Keith Sweat’s “Twisted”. I wonder if Keith is still making good music.
Jim Tressel stresses the scarlet showing in the stands as the Lions take the field. Ohio State hopes to create an atmosphere similar to their own version of PSU’s whiteout conditions. The difference in this game could hinge on home field advantage.
Penn State brings a very solid and well-balanced attacking football team into Ohio Stadium. This is without question a big test for rookie quarterback, Terrelle Pryor. Penn State was one of the colleges on Pryor’s list before he signed on as a Buck. That story has been overplayed. I do not think the focus of Terrelle is his college choice or second guessing why he chose to be a Buckeye. Terrelle is a very motivated athlete who has the assets to apply favorable conditions on offense. Last week, he had everything going for him, putting together a believable win over Michigan State on the road. He finally has the respect of his teammates, I think and that has made a difference in his confidence. Chris “Beanie” Wells needs to run for another 100 yards in order for the Buckeyes to be a factor this evening. Paterno’s Penn State defense is one of the best in the nation and they do not allow teams to run the ball effectively. On the other side, the OSU defense is also solid with All Americans, James Laurinaitus and Malcom Jenkins. Penn State senior play caller, Daryll Clark is going to face his greatest challenge so far this year. Illinois was a challenge, but OSU is the best defense he will behold. If the Bucks shut down the Nittany Lion running game and force Clark to beat them, they will be successful. Evan Royster is one of the most prolific running backs at this level and it will be crucial to contain his breakaway speed.
I reckon college football fans will get an early Halloween treat tonight. This should be a close encounter. The Lions are the third ranked team in the country, and rightly so. They have every reason to be considered the darling of the conference. But tonight you better believe the Big 10 leaders will be seeing red. If ever there was a game to clearly make a statement, tonight is it for the Ohioians. The Horseshow is the X factor and mentally, Penn State is already beaten. They know they have yet to win a game in Ohio with Paterno on the sidelines. Last week, the Lions lunged to a large win in the Big House in Michigan. They started off a bit unsteady but bounced back to take the lead and remain undefeated. Paterno’s Michigan jinx went kaput. Can this team break another Paterno plague? Survey says: This will be a competitive, see-saw game with many twists and turns and lead changes. I forecast a Scarlet and Gray win, with the game being decided late in the fourth quarter. Ohio State needs to capitalize on any PSU turnovers and mistakes..just like the Phillies need to hit with runners in scoring position in order to win.
Parting points: I am listening to Keith Sweat’s “Twisted”. I wonder if Keith is still making good music.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Italian Icons
Famous Figures Paterno & Piazza
Shea Stadium held its final regular season game yesterday afternoon. There were dozens of former Mets honored during a post-game ceremony. I remember the day Mike Piazza was signed to play for New York. The entire city was elated. I am not even a Mets fan, and I was excited. In fact, I purchased a Piazza jersey that season and I almost never buy player’s jerseys. I only own three: Paul O’Neill, Troy Aikman and Mike Piazza. One memory I have of Mike is him flying out to Bernie Williams to end the Mets 2000 World Series. Another weird moment involving Piazza and the Yankees was the famous Roger Clemens bat incident.
Better moments existed in the respected righty’s career. The reason I like Piazza is because he reminds me of an old school ballplayer. You could insinuate his incredible infatuation and love for baseball. He played with passion and always gave his best effort. When Mike was in L.A. during the early part of his career, he was considered rebellious because he dated a Playboy model, sported long hair and played the guitar. I used to have a big Sports Illustrated for Kids poster and cover photo of Mike with his guitar. Piazza will undoubtedly enter the Hall Of Fame as one of the, if not the, best offensive catchers of all time. When the Mets released Piazza, I was pleased the Oakland A’s signed him to be their DH. I thought he would make a great fit in Oakland and influence the young hitters by the Bay. I think Piazza would make an excellent hitting instructor if he chooses to coach one day.
Another Hall Of Fame Italian, Joe Paterno, is having a terrific year. This is JoPa’s 43rd year as head coach of Penn State football. The Nittany Lions are undefeated so far this season. Joe began coaching PSU in 1966. It’s amazing that Mike Piazza was born two years later and is out of the game, while Paterno is still manning the sidelines in Happy Valley.
In ninth grade, I was fortunate enough to attend a summer tennis camp on the main Penn State Campus. What an experience it was walking around the farm town. The campus is basically its own little city. It took me some time to not get myself lost. The bookstore is a mini mall, the cafeteria capacity is considerable, and the outside pool plentiful. Beaver Stadium looked luxurious from the outside. I slept in the freshman dorms but was not impressed with the sleeping arrangements. Other than the dormitory I stayed in, the campus atmosphere was incredible. They have the best homemade ice cream from the creamery right on campus. I think I made a few trips to that place during my camp downtime. It was World Cup soccer time when I visited the campus too, so everyone was talking about Alexi Laylas and Cobe Jones. I always wanted to go to Penn State as a kid and part of the reason was because JoPa was a legend and icon of mine. I didn’t follow the football team much back then but he was an interesting fellow and coach to admire. His animated field etiquette was compelling. Joe Paterno in a suit and tie coaching his talented team is an image that sticks in my mind in this era of college football.
Piazza and Paterno have probably been role models for aspiring players and coaches for generations. They will continue to be remembered as the best at what they do for years and years to come. Interestingly, Piazza was born in Pennsylvania and adored by the same residents as Paterno.
Fun with numbers:
34 years ago, #34 pitched his 3rd no hitter:
On September 28, 1974, Nolan Ryan of the California Angels pitches his third career no-hitter. Ryan’s 4-0 shutdown of the Minnesota Twins puts him in elite company. Ryan joins Sandy Koufax, Bob Feller, Cy Young, Larry Corcoran, and Jim Maloney as the only pitchers with three or more no-hitters. Ryan will eventually pitch seven no-hitters…
34 points for the Jets in the first quarter…
6 touchdowns for Favre, 6 turnovers for Warner
18 wins for SF Giants star, 18 straight batters retired by the Cubs in their loss to the Brewers
Congrats to Mike Mussina on his first 20-win season
Parting points:
Quiz to check out: Remember the children’s book series, Encyclopedia Brown?
http://www.kidsreads.com/funstuff/trivia/brown-triv.asp
Shea Stadium held its final regular season game yesterday afternoon. There were dozens of former Mets honored during a post-game ceremony. I remember the day Mike Piazza was signed to play for New York. The entire city was elated. I am not even a Mets fan, and I was excited. In fact, I purchased a Piazza jersey that season and I almost never buy player’s jerseys. I only own three: Paul O’Neill, Troy Aikman and Mike Piazza. One memory I have of Mike is him flying out to Bernie Williams to end the Mets 2000 World Series. Another weird moment involving Piazza and the Yankees was the famous Roger Clemens bat incident.
Better moments existed in the respected righty’s career. The reason I like Piazza is because he reminds me of an old school ballplayer. You could insinuate his incredible infatuation and love for baseball. He played with passion and always gave his best effort. When Mike was in L.A. during the early part of his career, he was considered rebellious because he dated a Playboy model, sported long hair and played the guitar. I used to have a big Sports Illustrated for Kids poster and cover photo of Mike with his guitar. Piazza will undoubtedly enter the Hall Of Fame as one of the, if not the, best offensive catchers of all time. When the Mets released Piazza, I was pleased the Oakland A’s signed him to be their DH. I thought he would make a great fit in Oakland and influence the young hitters by the Bay. I think Piazza would make an excellent hitting instructor if he chooses to coach one day.
Another Hall Of Fame Italian, Joe Paterno, is having a terrific year. This is JoPa’s 43rd year as head coach of Penn State football. The Nittany Lions are undefeated so far this season. Joe began coaching PSU in 1966. It’s amazing that Mike Piazza was born two years later and is out of the game, while Paterno is still manning the sidelines in Happy Valley.
In ninth grade, I was fortunate enough to attend a summer tennis camp on the main Penn State Campus. What an experience it was walking around the farm town. The campus is basically its own little city. It took me some time to not get myself lost. The bookstore is a mini mall, the cafeteria capacity is considerable, and the outside pool plentiful. Beaver Stadium looked luxurious from the outside. I slept in the freshman dorms but was not impressed with the sleeping arrangements. Other than the dormitory I stayed in, the campus atmosphere was incredible. They have the best homemade ice cream from the creamery right on campus. I think I made a few trips to that place during my camp downtime. It was World Cup soccer time when I visited the campus too, so everyone was talking about Alexi Laylas and Cobe Jones. I always wanted to go to Penn State as a kid and part of the reason was because JoPa was a legend and icon of mine. I didn’t follow the football team much back then but he was an interesting fellow and coach to admire. His animated field etiquette was compelling. Joe Paterno in a suit and tie coaching his talented team is an image that sticks in my mind in this era of college football.
Piazza and Paterno have probably been role models for aspiring players and coaches for generations. They will continue to be remembered as the best at what they do for years and years to come. Interestingly, Piazza was born in Pennsylvania and adored by the same residents as Paterno.
Fun with numbers:
34 years ago, #34 pitched his 3rd no hitter:
On September 28, 1974, Nolan Ryan of the California Angels pitches his third career no-hitter. Ryan’s 4-0 shutdown of the Minnesota Twins puts him in elite company. Ryan joins Sandy Koufax, Bob Feller, Cy Young, Larry Corcoran, and Jim Maloney as the only pitchers with three or more no-hitters. Ryan will eventually pitch seven no-hitters…
34 points for the Jets in the first quarter…
6 touchdowns for Favre, 6 turnovers for Warner
18 wins for SF Giants star, 18 straight batters retired by the Cubs in their loss to the Brewers
Congrats to Mike Mussina on his first 20-win season
Parting points:
Quiz to check out: Remember the children’s book series, Encyclopedia Brown?
http://www.kidsreads.com/funstuff/trivia/brown-triv.asp
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